Putin Visits Beijing, Showcasing 'Cooperation and Trust' with Xi (Comprehensive)

Consistent Attendance at the Belt and Road Forum Since 2017
Xi Expected to Discuss Energy, Finance, and Other Economic Sectors

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Beijing on the 17th to attend the 3rd Belt and Road (land and maritime Silk Road) Summit Forum, showcasing mutual trust and cooperative relations with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Despite the ongoing war in Ukraine, he made the trip to China, demonstrating his 'commitment' by attending all three Belt and Road forums held so far.

The state-run China Central Television (CCTV) reported that President Putin arrived in Beijing through Beijing Capital International Airport that morning, and was greeted by Wang Wentao, China's Minister of Commerce. CCTV stated, "President Putin will attend the 3rd Belt and Road International Cooperation Summit Forum and participate in related activities."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

This visit to China marks President Putin's second overseas trip amid the ongoing war with Ukraine. It is also his second trip since the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant in March, following his visit to Kyrgyzstan. Neither Kyrgyzstan nor China are ICC member states obligated to cooperate with Putin's extradition or arrest.

On the second day of his visit, the 18th, President Putin is scheduled to hold a summit meeting with President Xi. Prior to that, he is expected to deliver a speech following President Xi at the opening ceremony scheduled for that morning. The two leaders, meeting for the first time in seven months since the Moscow summit in March, are anticipated to express their positions on U.S. policy and current issues such as the recent Israel-Hamas conflict.

The two leaders are also expected to discuss expanding economic relations and cooperation in the fields of energy, advanced technology, and the financial industry. Alexander Gabuev, director of the Carnegie Moscow Center’s Russia and Eurasia Program, told major foreign media, "From China's perspective, Russia is a friendly and cheap source of raw materials and a reliable neighbor supporting China's initiatives on the world stage," adding, "Russia also possesses military technology that China does not have." He further noted, "For Russia, China is a lifeline regarding pressure related to the Ukraine issue and economic matters."

Meanwhile, President Putin's visit to China comes about one year and eight months after the Beijing Winter Olympics in February 2022. Having appeared at the 1st and 2nd Belt and Road forums held in 2017 and 2019 respectively, he has shown a pattern of consistent attendance at related events, including this year's Belt and Road Summit Forum.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.